A new era in the “Bolivarian Revolution” begins. It’s more proof that Chavez “continues to be invincible, that he continues to win battles.”

He added more saying he’s targeted by a “dirty war. There is an international operation to attack Venezuelan democracy. I will show no weakness against those who meddle with this country’s sovereignty.”

At around 11:20PM Sunday, “first bulletin” results were announced. National Electoral Council (CNE) president Tibisay Lucena called them “irreversible.” She added that Venezuela’s electoral system is “safe and ironclad.”

Voter participation was 78.71%. It was slightly less than last October’s 80.4%. Maduro received 7,505,338 votes. His victory margin was 50.66 to Capriles’ 49.07%.

“They want an audit, we welcome the audit,” said Maduro. “I formerly request the National Electoral Commission to carry out an audit.”

Capriles refused to sign a CNE document. He doesn’t recognize election results. His representative, Carlos Vecchio, submitted a different one. It commits to “respect the popular will.”

At the same time, it demanded Maduro “cease his abuse of the use of public resources to promote his candidature.” It accused him of “intimidating public servants.”

It said he “tak(es) advantage of the needs of the poor.” It claimed it’s “to bribe them with the delivery, or not, of social missions, and in that way, obtain their votes.”

It called the CNE “negligent.” It warned that “we will be vigilant before….any alteration that is attempted on the electoral results.” It suggested that biased electoral power favors PSUV governance.

Maduro signed CNE’s document, saying:

“I’m going to sign it in the name of peace for the country and respect for the people. This signature is worth my own life. I respect the results of the people….I swear it before God. I swear it before the people, and I swear it on the memory of Hugo Chavez.”

National Assembly Speaker Diosdado Cabello called for “self-criticism,” adding:

“It’s contradictory that some among the poor vote for those who always exploit them. Let’s turn over every stone to find out faults, but not put the fatherland or the legacy of our commander (Chavez) in danger.”

“3,435 national electoral observers, 170 international accompaniers, 40 accompaniers from the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), 30 from the Inter-American Organizations (UNIORE), and 40 accompaners from different political parties” participated as monitors.

Scottish parliamentarian spoke for others, saying:

“From the opening of the polls this morning, we have observed a very efficient, secure and sophisticated electoral system.”

“The people of all parties who we spoke to praised the way the election was run and raised no concerns. The poll was free, fair and robust.”

European unionist Adrian Weir said:

“Nothing I have seen suggests anything other than a Nicolas Maduro win. The ballot was free and fair. The count was equally transparent and signed off by party witnesses including those of the Caprile’s coalition, the MUD. I’ve witnessed a robust system.”

Actor/screenwriter Andy de La Tour added:

“The international observers are satisfied that the election has been free, fair and transparent. Voting went smoothly and the opposition witnesses in the polling stations told us they that they were satisfied that the voting had been fair.”

Venezuela Solidarity Campaign’s Francisco Dominguez said:

“Once again, Venezuela has shown to the world that it has a vibrant and healthy democracy where both sides can air their views.Capriles and his MUD coalition should accept that the people have again given their verdict.”

“When the results go the opposition’s way, they quickly accept them, as Capriles did when he was elected as a state governor just last December. But when they lose they often reject them. That is not a serious approach to democracy. Capriles and his allies should respect the will of the people.”

“Governments around the world should accept the results, call on the Capriles to accept the result and certainly should avoid giving Capriles any encouragement to disregard the choice of the majority of Venezuelans.”

About the author:

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at [email protected]
His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III."
http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html
Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com.
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